How the Lengya virus enters human cells

New findings have shed light on how the highly infectious Lengya virus, which recently transferred from animals to humans, is able to enter human cells.

Ariel Isaacs and Yu Shang Low from the University of Queensland discovered the structure of the Langya virus fusion protein, which was found in people in eastern China in August 2022.

Isaacs says the virus caused fever and severe respiratory symptoms and belonged to the same class of virus as the deadly virus nipa and Hendra viruses.

“We are at an important moment with viruses from the Henipavirus genre, as we can expect more fallout of events from animals to humans,” Isaacs says. “It is important that we understand the inner workings of these emerging virusesthis is where our work comes in.

The team used molecular clamp technology to hold the Langya virus fusion protein in place to uncover the atomic structure using cryogenic electron microscopy at the university’s Center for Microscopy and Microanalysis.

“Understanding the structure and how it enters cells is a crucial step towards developing vaccines and treatments to fight against Henipavirus infections,” says Isaacs. “There is currently no treatment or vaccine for them, and they have the potential to cause a widespread epidemic.”

Associate Professor Daniel Watterson, principal investigator on the project, says they have also seen that the Langya virus’ fusion protein structure is similar to the deadly Hendra virus, which first appeared in southeastern Queensland in 1994.

“These are viruses that can cause serious illness and can spiral out of control if we’re not properly prepared,” says Watterson. “We have seen with COVID-19 how unprepared the world is for a widespread viral outbreak and we want to be better equipped for the next outbreak.”

Researchers will now work to develop broad-spectrum human vaccines and treatments for In henipaviruslike Langya, Nipah and Hendra.

The search appears Nature Communication. Support has come from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, the governments of Queensland and Australia, and philanthropic partners.

Source: University of Queensland